| Society should define Very Old Age as
a special time of life for which there are different rules and expectations
that will allow the VOP to have a fulfilling and pleasurable experience.
People should be taught about Very Old Age in school and by the
media so that they empathize with VOPs and can do things for and with them in ways that can
be helpful and satisfying to all that are involved.
> The VOP should have a disinterested
advocate whose job it is to look out for his interests, such as those
listed below.
> The VOP should have the opportunity to review his
or her life. This would allow him the satisfaction of ventilating his
feelings about his experiences and to find meaning in their totality. The
recorded life review would serve as an enduring memorial, and would give him the chance to pass on what he has learned. It would also be a chance
for him to resolve conflicts or deal with other "unfinished
business", if he or she can't do this in person.
> The VOP should have access to medical and other means of
extending his life, improving his quality of life, and of leaving life. He
and his advocate should be given complete information about any contemplated
course of action so that they can thoroughly explore its benefits
and costs.
> The VOP should have contact with the people who care about
him, either through their physical presence or by being part of a
"virtual household" created by audio-visual contact that is woven into their
daily lives.
> The VOP should have contact through touch with caring
professionals, loved ones, and animals. He should have the opportunity be in the
actual and virtual outdoors.
> The immobile VOP should have access to a selection of virtual realities,
including those that are chemically enhanced, that can allow him to be
almost anywhere, do almost anything, and feel whatever he wants.
>The VOP should have control of his sensory input. In particular,
he should have access to the privacy provided either by the usual space/physical
barriers or by virtual/technological means.
> The VOP should have a chance to be useful, in
addition to working on his life review.
> The VOP should have contact with people of all ages.
*Unfinished business usually includes
saying, "Thank-you", "I'm sorry", "I forgive you", "I love you" and
"Good-bye" to those concerned. |